Honda looks like it might have already met its New Year weight-loss resolution--a year early.

The auto giant revealed its 2018 model year Honda Odyssey at the 2017 North American International Auto Show (which runs through January 22 in Detroit, Michigan, U.S.) and proudly announces the next-generation minivan is up to 96 pounds
lighter, thanks to lightweight metal construction (similar to its lightweighted rival 2017 Chrysler Pacifica).

Magnesium finds its place on the Odyssey in the “steering hanger beam” (the instrument panel beam) while aluminum is applied in the hood and front and rear bumper reinforcements, Odyssey Chief Engineer Chad Harrison said.
“Everything else is conventional steel,” he said, not
meaning the traditional 200- to 340-megapascal mild steel that entire bodies-in-white of yore were built from.
He’s referring to steel versus unconventional metals like aluminum or magnesium. Honda builds the Odyssey on the Advanced Compatibility Engineering platform, which relies on a lot of higher-strength steels.
“The entire frame system is generally ultra-high-strength steel,” Mr. Harrison said of the Odyssey.

Other features of the new minivan to look for include:
--New driver and passenger knee airbags on all models
--An Active Shutter Grille in the front fascia, which opens and closes automatically for improved aerodynamics
--Sliding door tracks are now “hidden in the lower portion of the rear quarter windows,” Honda says
--The Odyssey now features triple door seals and more sound deadening in the engine compartment and floor and under fenders

Honda sold nearly 121,000 Odysseys last year.

According to the show’s website, “The NAIS is the largest concentration of the world’s top automotive and technology executives, designers, engineers and thought leaders, (which) serves as the global stage for companies to debut brand defining vehicles and industry-shaping announcements.”

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